Numerical Modeling of the FRP/Concrete Interfacial Behavior of FRP Shear-Strengthened Beams

In this paper, we compare the validity of two approaches to simulate the FRP/concrete interfacial behavior of FRP shear-strengthened beams. In the first approach, the FRP/concrete interfacial behavior is modeled with two-dimensional interface elements. These elements are provided in directions parallel and perpendicular to fibers orientation. In this case, the bond slip behavior between concrete and FRP is established on the basis of experimental results obtained from shear-lap specimens. In the second approach, the slip between concrete and FRP is simulated by one-directional truss elements aligned in a discrete manner. In this case, the bond slip model of the FRP/concrete interface is a bilinear relationship. The accuracy of each approach to simulate the FRP/concrete interfacial behavior is investigated by comparing them with experimental results. The significance of both approaches is discussed.